Looking for Answers?

BRENICK asked, what is Alkaline Water?

Great question! Sorry I didn't clarify.

Alkaline water is water with a high pH. Water has different characteristics which are a result of the land it travels through because it picks up minerals along the say. The higher the number the more alkaline it is. For example a pH of 2 is acidic, while a pH of 9 is very alkaline. The pH of the human blood is 7.6 and it's suggested that it's ideal to drink water that has a pH between 7.4 - 9. Fiji water has a pH of 7.5 while diet coke has a pH of 2.5. Drinking acidic drinks & foods increases the body's vulnerability to disease. There are ways to make your water more alkaline. At Good Earth, or your local health food store you can find alkalizing pH water drops. I like ConcenTRACE Mineral drops. You just drop them in your water and it raises the levels of minerals!

WENDY asked, What do you think about recovery drinks while working out? Science suggests a glucose/protein/electrolyte replacement drink after exercise. Do you think they're valuable?

Electrolyte is just a fancy word for putting minerals back into blood. Liquid Chlorophyll diluted in 32 oz of water during workout or right after is fabulous! When I was training for a marathon, this chlorophyll was a lifesaver! I would have clients drink a glucose/protein/electrolyte drink after exercise but ONLY if they were trying to put on Lean Body Mass (muscle). If putting on muscle isn't your goal, then this type of drink is not necessary (in my opinion). But chlorophyll is great for a recovery drink along with taking an amino acid supplement if you feel like you are having a hard time recovering after resistance training workouts.

JEN LEE asked, Is it safe in the long run to cut out acidic foods? My friend lost a bunch of weight doing so.

Yes, all acidic foods are processed, highly cooked or homogenized. Cutting these out means that you'll be eating more raw fruits and veggies which is ideal. I believe in moderation. A diet of 70% alkaline and 30% acid is ideal. This helps remove impurities from the body. The best diet for most people is one that doesn't create toxicity, which comes through an acidic diet.

LACEE asked, It's extreme to never eat sugar. Do you really eat like this? Buying specialty food items cost a ton!

Yes, processed sugar seems to be in EVERYTHING. However, foods that are pre-made, processed usually contain the sugar. If you are eating a clean/healthy diet, you won't come across the sugars as much. If I desire baked goods, I make them with xylitol or stevia which are natural sweeteners and it tastes great! Do I eat like this? Yes, unless I go to dinner at a friends house. I try not to be anal about what I eat. I will eat whatever is being served, however I still try to make good food choices. For example, salad dressing are loaded with sugar. Instead of the dressing I will squeeze a lemon or lime as my dressing. If these aren't available I will put NOTHING on top of my salad. It's actually interesting how yummy veggies start to taste when they aren't loaded with dressings that take away their flavor.

Specialty food items do cost more, but they are so much more worth it especially when you realize the health benefits that come from higher quality foods. The main things I would recommend you purchase from a specialty store is hormone-free meats and organic veggies and fruits (they don't contain pesticides and herbicides that are now sprayed on our produce).

EMILY CHRISTMAN asked, Do you Recommend a Candida Cleanse? I've heard of ones where you just drink pure liquid with lemons & apples.

Going off food doesn't do much for candida. It takes a long time for Candida to die, and liquid cleanses usually last only 3-7 days. A flush won't help get rid of yeast and fungus. I would however, recommend doing a Candida cleanse that consists of following my diet guidelines listed here and take supps that kill the yeast and fungus. The supps can add up to being quit expensive, so I would get the Candida clear cleanse, which is a 14 day cleanse with packets of all the supps you'll need in one! If you REALLY want to buckle down and get rid of all your candida problems, I would do the 14 day Candida clear cleanse 3 times = 6 weeks. and adhere strictly to the diet. I would also add probiotic eleven (4 in morning/4 at night.) As well as Silver shield (2 T/day).

R.I.P

Depending on how severe your candida overgrowth is, and the amount of yeast killing products taken, candida can be killed off in extremely large numbers. As they're killed they release toxic substances which are very acidic to the body. If this process happens more quickly than the toxins can be eliminated from the body, a temporary allergic-type reaction can occur. It's called die-off. It usually lasts only a few days and includes aching, bloating, nausea and an overall goopy, punky feeling. Although die-off is uncomfy, it's at least a confirmation that candida is present and It's dying! Rest In Peace.

Enzymes can help digest the yeast as it dies off.

An average candida cleanse program lasts about 6 weeks. When It's completed It's time to start adding back in foods. Add fruits cautiously. As you add in each food, be aware of potential concerns. Such as, symptoms of gas, bloating, indigestion, joint pain, mucus in the throat, etc. This is probably a result of food allergies or intolerance's.

Total elimination of yeast from the body is neither feasible nor desirable, because yeasts are very beneficial to the body when there is a proper balance. Controlling candida helps restore a proper balance. Overgrowth is a serious threat to our health. Candida can be a type of "early warning system" that our lifestyle needs to be changed or there can be future health problems.

Overcoming candida isn't easy or convenient, but It's life changing. Once you've experienced how great if feels to have your body properly balanced, you'll never want to return to your old eating habits or lifestyle.

Antibiotics vs. Probiotics

Some people develop candida after taking antibiotics. You're probably wondering why, since antibiotics tends to kill ALL forms of good and bad bacteria.

Candida is a yeast, not a bacteria, and therefore cannot be killed with antibiotics. This then gives Candida a golden opportunity to grow and multiply in an environment that doesn't have a gatekeeper(good bacteria). Good bacteria is Probiotics, which is very useful in treating yeast.

The intake of a probiotic every day can dramatically increase the quantity of good bacteria that help fight candida. This good bacteria thrives when your pH is balanced correctly and when you're intaking adequate amounts of fiber. Fiber absorbs toxins and removes them from our system.

My favorite probiotics are bifidophilus and probiotic eleven.

TESTIMONIAL

I have struggled with Candida my whole life. A few weeks after I was born I was given antibiotics and it was all downhill from there. Every few weeks I had an ear infection that eventually resulted in tubes. Every few months I had Strep throat, Tonsillitis, or Bronchitis all resulting in a round of Antibiotics. When I was six I had my Tonsils and Adenoids removed and another set of tubes in my ears. Unfortunately that didn’t solve my problem and I still got strep a few times every year. I eventually grew out of having constant ear infections, but now my problem was severe stomach issues and extreme weight gain. To make a very long story short, I was at the doctor, hospital or having tests run on me all of the time.

My first awareness of Candida came when I was 12, I did a cleanse and things got much better however, I didn’t really understand Candida and what caused it and how to repair it. It took me a few years but I figured out that I didn’t have ANY good bacteria in my Colon resulting in a very weak Immune system and extreme toxicity. I needed a probiotic to replace all the good bacteria that the antibiotics wiped out. I needed to change my diet to remove all the yeast and sugar that was feeding the Candida.

Now 27 years after my first antibiotic I have overcome my Candida with supplements and diet. ALL of my symptoms have cleared up and I am feeling GREAT! I’ve lost my weight gain, I’m not constipated and I have no extreme health issues! I am so thankful to have a body that, when given the right tools, will overcome anything!

Aleena Hill

Kill em

For those trying to overcome Candida, It's important to take natural products that help kill the yeast. The following are natural yeast fighters that I'd recommend:

Probiotics (good bacteria) Aids in elimination of toxins, improves immune system, supports digestion and regulates intestinal functions. It also improves growth of friendly microorganisms and enhances mineral absorption. My fav is probiotic eleven or bifidophilus.

Yeast Fungal Detoxification Combination Helps body detox itself. Blances microorganisms and supports immune, digestive and urinary systems.

Caprylic Acid Natural fatty acid that's lethal to Candida. It's found to be equal to pharmaceutical meds such as nystatin in effectiveness, but doesn't produce the side effects of nystatin.

Pau D' Arco The Pau D'Arco tree grows in So. America. Moss, mold and fungus will NOT grow within several feet of the tree. It's best used combined with other natural products. It works great for yeast related symptoms such as athlete's food, skin rashes and fungus ruidden toe and fingernails.

Silver with aquasol technology Kills yeast and fungus and is very effective at speeding up Candida killing. It also kills other pathogens that thrive as the immune system is suppressed.

Garlic Has direct yeast killing effects in the intestines.

Oregano and Tee Tree Essential Oils These have antifungul properties that isolate yeast.

Candida Clear cleansing program An effective way to kill Candida, instead of buying the supps individually, is to purchase this candida clear cleanse packet which contains a 2 week supply of all the supps needed for the Candida cleanse.

pH

Ever heard of pH? Alkaline vs. Acid? ... Bring back memories from High school chemistry? yuck.

Our body has a pH which prefers a balance of alkaline/acid. Candida can't grow in a balanced pH environment. Diets high in refined carbs, meats, and acidic drinks alter the pH of the body which makes Candida thrive and grow. If you balance your pH, candida dies.

How?

Balance proteins and carbs

Protein (acid) and berries/veggies (alkaline) help balance pH. Too much of either can upset this balance.

Better Digestion

Anything that is hard to digest is acidic. Food that isn't broken down will ferment and rot in the body. The decaying material is perfect food for a yeast feast.

Bad digestion is caused by enzyme deficiencies as well as the use of antacids and prescription drugs. Adding a good food enzme will greatly improve digestion. The food enzyme that I recommend to my clients is proactazyme. Make sure the enzyme you get does not contain hydrochloric acid, but does contain amylase, protease and lipase.

Docs commonly prescribe acid blocking drugs when digestion is bad which further agrivates candida overgrowth! :(

Reduce Stress

Stress can drive our pH out of balance, not just stress but also any negative emotion (fear, anger, jealousy, hate). It triggers an acidic response and weakens our immune systems while slowing digestion. Reduce stress and improve pH by practicing positive affirmations daily and breath deep! Oxygen kills candida.

Drink Alkaline Water

Alkaline water is micro-clustered which can enter cells and neutralize the acid waste out of the cells and quickly rebalance the body's pH. This is extremely powerful in rebalancing the body and killing yeast.

Lets balance ourselves and kill them yeast!

Candida Control Diet

The most important part to overcoming and controlling Candida is what you put into your MOUTH. The two things that drive the Candida growth in the body are; sugar or anything that turns into sugar in the body, and mold or anything containing mold or fungus (dairy, cheese, etc.).

So what do you eat?? Here's a list.

Protein

• Meat- (beef, chicken, turkey, fish, etc.)
• Eggs-(organic)
• Protein powder

Fats

• Olive Oil
• Coconut oil
• Almonds
• Be careful with nuts, they can carry lots of mold. (soak em in water over night)

Good Carbohydrates

• Non-starchy carbohydrates; green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach etc.
• Frozen berries (fresh fruit in the store carries molds)
• Lemons, grapefruit (no other fruit)
• Beans (black beans, pinto beans etc.)

Naughty Carbs

• ALL KINDS of sugar
• PROCESSED carbohydrates
• ALL foods containing yeasts
• ALL grains (breads, pastries, etc.)
• ALL starches (potatoes, corn, rice, cooked carrots, baked squash etc.)

Good Sweeteners

• Xylitol- a natural sweetener that helps kill Candida. The best sweetener on the market!
• Stevia- This sweetener is a non-caloric herb and is extremely sweet. It cannot feed yeast.

How long must I stay on this Candida cleansing diet? You ask.

As far as sugar is concerned, you should never resume using it, even sparingly. The other foods can be reintroduced slowly. This reintroduction can start taking place 2 weeks after all your symptoms of Candida are gone.

Many times when you add food back into your diet, you will feel symptoms of bloating, gas, joint pain, indigestion or mucus throat. This is a food allergy. When you eat food that you're intolerant to, you always live in a constant state of mild allergic reaction. But, when you give it up for a period of time, you'll experience an allergic reaction when you add it back into your diet. If this happens stay away from that particular food.

What be this?

So what is this Candida? Well, simply said, it's a process of yeast overgrowth in the digestive tract which causes the body to pollute itself.

What can cause your body to get Candida? When you eat crapy, have high stress, minimal sleep, environmental pollutants, and intake prescription drugs - these lower your immune system and Candida starts to show up!

Candida loves opportunity. When it's given the chance it will colonize all of your bodily tissues.

As it multiplies, it mutates into a fungal form that grows roots and secretes acids! SICK! The roots puncture holes in your digestive tract. This is called leaky-gut syndrome. Poop, undigested food particles, toxins, yeast, and bacteria leak into your bloodstream and make you feel crapy and gross.

It's easy to sabotage your health without realizing the damage you're causing. As Candida multiples, it releases powerful poisons which circulate in your bloodstream causing all kinds of symptoms and disorders.

Spit Test Experiment

Want to find out if you have Candida? Simple.

All you'll need to do is work-up a nice amount of saliva and spit it out into a clear glass filled with bottled water at room temperature. THis should be done first thing in the morning, before you drink, eat, brush teeth or put anything in your mouth. Check the water every 15 min. for up to one hour.

If you have a potential problem, you'll see string, leg like protrusions traveling down into the water from the floating saliva. OR cloudy saliva will sink to the bottom of the glass. OR cloudy specks will seem to be suspended in the water.

If you see any or all of these indications, Congratulations you have yeast overgrowth called Candida! Stay tuned to find out what Candida is and how to get rid of the pesty bugger. Believe me, life is much more pleasant without it.

If you had no strings in your saliva, you probably have yeast under control in your body and have nothing to worry about. hip hip hooray!

Candida Week

Have you ever heard of Candida? Nope, it isn't a sweet treat...I thought the same thing the first time I heard the word. It's something MUCH more nasty.

And yes, it plaques a lot of Americans and you may be one of the lucky unfortunate ones. And I may be giving you ALL the info you've ever wanted to know about the subject throughout this week. And, you WILL want to know everything about the subject even if you think you don't. And just in case you're sure you're not interested, I'm throwing in this pic to entice you. I always love gross graphic pictures of real life events. However, your tongue doesn't have to look like this in order to have Candida.

The first step to finding out if you have this condition that causes weight gain and health problems is to take a lookity-look at your lifestyle, if you've ever ingested or experienced any of these substances...

Birth control, cortisone shots, antibiotics, chemo, sugar, high acid drinks such as soda, coffee, or energy drinks; stress, obesity, diabetes, cancer, suppressed immune system, mold/mildew in living environment, sexual contact with another who has Candida, high protein diet, high blood sugar, public showers, excessive cheese consumption (it is a mold), and adrenal fatigue.

So, Do I have this condition, you ask? Well, the second step is to ask yourself if you're experiencing any of these symptoms...

Dead give away....can't loose weight!!!!??? Thrush, rectal/anal/vaginal or chronic itching anywhere, yeast infections, IBS, diarrhea/constipation, gassy, bloating, allergies, GERD/heartburn, weight fluctuations, decreased libido/impotency, odd tastes (metal, salt), blurred vision, clumsiness, confusion/overwhelmed, depression, anxiety, poor memory, headaches, dry/scaly skin, acne, urgency/burning/frequency of urination, odor from urine or vaginal discharge, intolerance of chemicals/odors, joint pins/stiffness, muscle aches, nasal stuffiness, congestion, runny nose, frequent colds, coated tongue, fingernail/toenail fungus, sick all over, cravings for sugar.

Now that you have an Idea whether or not this may be an issue for you, we'll know for sure when I have you do a little home experiment. Stay tuned!

Remember, in order to lose weight and feel great, your body must be in a healthy state, so lets not procrastinate. ;)

Thank you to our guest writer, Aleena Hill who has helped me research Candida. Aleena is an Iridologist and a Master Herbalist and owner of Herbs for Health & Garden. If you have any questions for her, email me!

Low Energy? RELAX!

How relaxed/ tense we are has a direct effect on our energy level and our energy level affects our health. In fact, our level of heath is pretty much connected to our level of energy.

Supplements can help produce energy but they can’t increase energy storage. A relaxed body has more energy storage capacity then a tense one, and, if you’re too tense, then your body won’t be able to store the extra energy it’s producing.

To understand why this is so, recognize that muscles expend energy when they contract. Contracting muscles allow us to move, lift, walk, run and perform our daily activities. However, each time a muscle contracts, it is discharging energy. A muscle rebuilds its charge when it relaxes or elongates again. In its relaxed, elongated state, it has an energy potential that is ready for the next discharge.

Nerves do a similar thing- thy build up an electrical charge, which is then discharged as the nerve sends a message. In order to send another message, the nerve must rebuild its electrical charge. When a nerve becomes exhausted, a person becomes “shaky”. The nerves can no longer hold the charge and fire rapidly, releasing their energy before they are fully recharged. This causes muscles to tremble and makes the person feel unsteady.

Both muscles and nerves are able to rapidly alternate charging and discharging, but there is a limit to how many times this can be done before it needs some rest to fully recharge.

Our bodies are much like the battery in our cell phones. As we use our phones then charge them and use them and charge them, the capacity of the battery to hold a charge has gradually diminished. So, the reason fatigue has increased as we age is the same reason our cell phone battery doesn’t last as long as it once did- The tired muscle can’t hold as much of an energy charge as it once did.

Solution:

RELAX our muscles. Stretching and breathing is very important. Yoga is a perfect exercise to do both.

Get better sleep. Try Kava Kava Concentrate, Nutri-Calm, GABA plus and Calcium and Magnesium from Nature’s Sunshine Products.

Take short breaks. Leave the computer, sit down, and stand up. What ever you need to remember to relax and elongate your muscles.

BREATHE. Inhale, exhale.

Nosh the Kiddies

For those mothers who want to know the secrets to healthy happy kiddo's, I'm starting a link that will contain ideas on nourishing your little ones inside and outside the tummy. presenting... Click on the button Nosh the Kiddies on the sidebar to the right!

It's Official!

It's been 6 weeks since I gave birth to my first son and now maternity leave is officially over. I think I have a hang of this Mother thing....which I LOVE!!!! So, all those who have noticed a pattern in my sporadic posts, I apologize. Now it's time for bloggin! Let's get our skinny on!

I'm excited to announce that I will have guest bloggers who are also experts in the health industry post wonderful articles periodically that will continue to give YOU enlightening. frequenty stay-tuned! heh.

If you would like to learn more about something specific, please comment and let me know! I will try to meet your info needs ASAP!

I'm addicted

Yes, over 90% of Americans are addicted to drugs. What drug you ask? It's the most common abused drug and although it's legal, it has the same effects as illegal drugs. It's something you've been ingesting since childhood. Have you ever consumed soda, chocolate, coffee, prescription drugs or over-the-counter meds? Ever been addicted to any of these substances? Drugs.com lists caffeine as a poisonous substance. The FDA says if caffeine came out on the market today, they would NOT release it to the public.

Most people believe that caffeine makes you more alert and clearheaded. Think again. These substances give you a wake up jolt because they trigger a negative stress response. Your muscles tense, your blood sugar elevates for extra energy, your pulse and respiration rates speed up, and your state of alertness increases so you're ready to run from environmental dangers. You may be only sitting at your desk drinking a cup of coffee or soda or nibbling on your choco, but your body doesn't know that. It's preparing for action.

When your body is under stress it elevates your cortisol levels and your body holds onto fat especially in the belly area. So much for a flat stomach. The higher your stress levels in the body, the more you crave unhealthy foods that are high in either sugar or carbs. Caffeine also creates an acidic response in the stomach which can lead to weight gain and mucho health probs. It also acts as a diuretic which causes your body to lose water, leading to dehydration, and is the reason you should not ingest caffeine products if you are thirsty or plan to exercise. It also decreases your chances of burning fat cells and causes a loss of magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium an other minerals in the body which lead to an imbalance in electrolytes and minerals that are needed to maintain good health.

A couple years ago I started working with a client who, after our initial appointment was involved in a car accident and broke her tailbone. She was unable to workout from that point on for a couple months. She was a big Diet Coke drinker and we made a goal that while she was healing, she would completely go off all soda. I didn't have her change any of her eating habits, other than eliminating diet coke. After 3 months she was fully recovered and 30 pounds lighter!

It's a fad to take caffeine around the time you workout to give you that extra energy and help with wight-loss. It does feel like you're getting a boost for your workout, However it WILL NOT give you permanent long term weight loss.

Though there are minimal positive effects of caffeine, the negative effects should be understood. Be aware if you are in a high-risk group for severe negative effects. If you have mood disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, chronic intestinal issues, work the night shift or are pregnant or trying to become preggers you should NOT drink or consume caffeine.

What are alternatives?

• Herbal tea is a great replacement for Coffee. (My fav's are Red Raspberry & Peppermint)
• Freshly Squeezed Lime or Lemon in water with a dash of Stevia is a great replacement for soda.

Healthy'r Chocolate for V day

If you just HAVE to eat a snip-it of choco this Saturday, try this. I've had peeps ask for my raw chocolate fudge recipe. It's a great one to make for V-day dessert! It's a lot healthier for you than regular chocolate found in the stores, but just as scrumptious! Enjoy!

3/4 tsp Salt (real salt)

2 T Vanilla extract (alcohol free)

1/2 cup Agave (raw)

1/2 cup Honey (raw)

1 1/2 cup Raw Chocolate powder

1 cup & 1 T Raw Coconut oil

Combine all your ingredients in a Vita-mix/Blendtec (A power blender). Blend on high until mixture is completely smooth (approx 1 min). Optional: Add any amount of desired nuts. Walnuts and Pecans are my fav. Pour and spread fudge into a 7 1/2 X 9 1/2 glassware. Chill, then cut into squares. Refrigerate. (This chocolate fudge mixture will firm up when cooled. Always refrigerate.)

My Valentines Meal Recipes

For Valentine's Day, If you are looking to splurge while feeling A-mazing, I've settled on the perfect menu. We'll start with a small cup of black-bean soup, then have a kale salad with fresh orange wedges and sliced almonds, organic long-grain brown rice with steamed broccoli and lean chicken, and a nice tall glass of water. After dinner, I'll pour another glass of water and reach for a box of...

Black Bean Soup

• 3 cup Black Beans, sorted & rinsed (It's great to pre-cook BB and store in freezer, so you don't have to use canned)
• 6 cups Water
• 7 cup stock, or homemade broth from cooking chicken breasts/thighs
• 1 Tomato cut in pieces
• 2 cups Celery, chopped
• 1 Carrot, large chopped
• 1 Onion, large chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Marjoram
• 1 1/2 TBS Lemon/Lime juice

Soak Black beans in 6 cups of water overnight in large pot. Drain the soaking water and refill pot with 7 cups chicken/vegetable broth and cook for 2-2 1/2 hours until beans are soft. When beans are soft, add celery, carrot, onion, garlic, bay leaves, oregano, basil and marjoram. For a sharper flavor add the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to taste. Salt & Pepper to taste. Add diced tomato after beans are soft. Then remove the bay leaves and blend soup in a food processor or blender if you prefer. Return soup to pot and reheat and serve garnishing each bowl with 1/2 Tbsp of Vegenaise (instead of sour cream) and 1/2 tsp chives or green onion tops! YUMMMMM! p.s I also like to add a teensy bit of avocado on top.

Seriously, my salivary glands are dripping!

Chicken

I like cooking my Chicken on our indoor grill, only adding a bunch of herbs and spices. If I cook on the stove, I'll add a bit of olive oil to each side of the breast and then add the herbs for a yummy taste. I also like to boil my chicken and shred it, adding it to soups or salads. Delectable

The herbs & spices I like to cook my chicken with are basil, rosemary, a pinch of pepper and real salt and a bit of freshly squeezed lemon or lime! MWAH!

Rice

If you need a sauce for your rice or chicken, add SALSA!!!! It is low calorie, and good for you while giving much needed flavor. My favorite rice is Basmati rice...Scrumptious!

Kale

I like to lightly steam my kale, or eat it raw and fresh by slicing it up in small strips and adding it to other greens (spinach, romaine, dandelion). I top the salad with fresh orange wedges (squeezing the rest of the orange onto my salad as the dressing) and garnish with lightly browned sliced almonds on top. SLuRP!

Can Valentines GET any better!? I know It's still a couple weeks away, but you've GOT to prepare/pre-plan for these type of events.

AND for dessert!....

Seriously, Don't these recipes make your mouth water and lips smack?!!!!!

Now I need a creative plan for a fun valentines day activity. This is the first year I've had a kid (which I don't want to leave with a babysitter). I need some inspiration. Any ideas?

Will you sell your birth-right for chocolate?

When I think of Valentines Day, I think of red cut-out hearts and....chocolate. "I'm a spiritual soul having a physical experience." That's what I tell myself when I crave chocolate. I love that stuff, but why? All logical, rational thought seems to be expelled from my being when my eyes connect with the substance. Resulting in the complete and total commitment to consume the dark sinfulness and make it's presence known in my system.

It's enough to make you look for Willy Wonka's nearest factory.

A while ago I was in line at the natural food super-market waiting to check-out. There was a really old lady in front of me waiting to buy a large quantity of chocolate bars contained in her cart. I was curious why she was buying so much. As she got to the counter to purchase her choco, the checker behind the counter asked her if she was getting ready for a party with all that chocolate! Her reply... "They said on the evening news that chocolate is good for your health." My jaw dropped. True story.

It's interesting that even researchers try to develop studies that suggest chocolate is necessary for health. Only one problem: Much of the research has been sponsored by Mars, the folks who brought us M&Ms, and Snickers. Almost any time you speak to a chocolate "expert," you're talking with someone who has cashed a few checks from Mars. Any research can be done to prove anything we want (for the most part). I believe that any unhealthy person can eat something that's just as unhealthy, but slightly better than their current state and find that somehow its beneficial in some twisted way.

And of course, don't be misled into thinking that chocolate is a health food. It's not. Chocolate, brimming with fat, is something you should learn to savor in small pieces. No one should add calories to their diet and sugar to their system by eating more chocolate. The secret is that Chocolate, which is laden with sugar and caffeine is NOT good for you. Cocoa in it's raw form, however, have antioxidants which contain flavanols that are extremely beneficial to ones health. This is what the researchers use to prove that chocolate is healthy for us, but they use the word chocolate, rather than the word cocoa. No sane person is going to crave cocoa in its raw form. Not so yummy.

For Valentine's Day, I've settled on the perfect menu. We'll start with a small cup of black-bean soup, then have a kale salad with fresh orange wedges and sliced almonds, organic long-grain brown rice with steamed broccoli and lean chicken, and a nice tall glass of water. After dinner, I'll pour another glass of water and reach for a box of...

When you give food power, it has power over you.

Don't sell your birth-right for chocolate, a healthy body IS your birth-right.

What will you munch on to celebrate this Valentines?!

Poop, Elimination, Release, Go...

Are you healthy. Duh know?

Take a look at your excretions. Take a nice close looker!

What's normal? Most people don't know what's normal because our society creates constipated people. But I'll tell you. Food goes in, poop comes out. That's the Law.

Now if you aren't eating "righteous" foods there is no way your body is capable of being healthy enough to push it out when needed. So, cleaning up your diet will help you eliminate once a day (good), twice a day (excellent), in and out (celestial kingdom). If you have chronic constipation problem, or telestial elimination runs in your family you'll have to go to greater lengths to get the "process" back on the straight and narrow. You have to be more...vigilant, sorry.

The best way to get things moving along naturally, other than eating better foods with more fiber, is to take herbal stimulant that get things going. My favorite is LBS II found at Herbs for Health and Garden in Draper, UT. or Here. Taken only a couple of days, It softens things up and helps you get regular at which point your body can regulate the process with nutritious foods. BPX also helps you to poop and supports all the eliminative organs. It's very balancing.

The following is graphic, read at your own risk...

Poop should be brown, and snakelike. No balls, separations or abnormal colors.

You digestive system can tell you much information about how healthy you are. If your waste is getting clogged up in your system, the toxic/waste products that should be pooped out are being reabsorbed into our bloodstreams. This blocks the process of the colon absorbing important nutrients for weight-loss, health and energy. So, get things moving!

I've been MIA recently. To find out what I've been up to click Here

Persistance

It always takes time and effort to change habits and train your body to eat and live in a whole different way. Be patient with yourself. You are about to become a member of a small minority of Americans who eat the way God designed us to.

It will not happen overnight so you can’t get frustrated. Be persistent and I promise you will see results faster than you think. Trust in yourself, give yourself a dose of daily love taps and have an open mind.

Support

Make sure your desire to lose fat, increase energy & become healthier is a lifestyle change, not a short-term fix. Tell family and friends what your goals are. Surround yourself with those individuals that will support you in your goals.

You don’t have to put your whole family on a diet. If you cook for the family, give them healthy options. Most people won’t even notice you are eating differently unless you call it to their attention. The only thing they may notice is your fat-loss, increased health and energy!

Distribute Energy

Your body needs to be fueled according to your daily energy levels.

If you are more active in the mornings, your meals before and after your activity should be a larger portion size and contain a higher amount of carbs (primary source of energy).

If you are sedentary in the evenings, these meals should be smaller portions and contain more proteins & good fats.

Example of full day menu including activity level here